A socio-ecological analysis of the loss of public properties in an urban environment: A case study of Pokhara, Nepal

In this paper, the historical, religious and cultural aspects that led to the development of public properties (mainly chautaaraas - platform with huge shade-providing trees, community orchards, open spaces and water ponds) in Pokhara, Nepal are discussed in detail in relation to their ecological functions. The processes (urbanisation and modernisation, separating nature and culture) that led to the decline of these properties is then examined.